The Digital Investment Window: A Solution to Speed Up Procedures in Mexico?

With the aim of facilitating foreign investment coming into the country, the Ministry of Economy introduced an agreement that seeks to simplify procedures through a one-stop online platform.

Simplification Actions

This new system promises to cut both procedures and requirements in half, as well as reduce waiting times. The National Digital Investment Window will provide four deliveries per year and will allow investments to be established, built, and operated at state, federal, and municipal levels. Each company will receive personalized results, detailing the requirements and timelines to create their digital file, as reported by the Secretariat. In terms of foreign investment, the agreement mentions the simplification of four processes: 1- Authorization from the National Commission of Foreign Investments (CNIE) to increase foreign ownership above 49% in the social capital. 2- Neutral investment authorization. 3- Establishment of foreign legal entities in Mexico. 4- Automated registration in the National Register of Foreign Investments (RNIE). - Merging procedures: The authorization to exceed 49% foreign investment and the neutral investment authorization will be done in a single format. - Reduction in resolution times: Currently, procedures can take between 105 and 120 business days to finalize an investment project, but with this new agreement, the timeframe is shortened to 45 business days. - Automatic enrollment in the RNIE: Authorization to establish legal entities and register will be automatically granted to those who receive investment approval. - Reduction of requirements for registration with the RNIE: Only a single accreditation is now necessary, eliminating the need to do it again. - Shortening the registration timeline for the RNIE: It goes from three months to 30 business days. - Regarding operations, the DGIE is prepared to address issues arising from this new format, gradually working on harmonizing regulations. Mexico maintained its position at the bottom of Kearney's 2025 Foreign Investment Confidence Index, ranking 25 out of 25 economies, having fallen four spots from the previous year. Omar Troncoso, General Director of Kearney Mexico, commented in March that this decline is due to a loss of attractiveness in 80% of industries, worsened by a climate of uncertainty following the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.

The implementation of the Digital Investment Window is an important step toward modernization and efficiency in the field of foreign investment in Mexico. By simplifying procedures and shortening response times, a more attractive environment for investors is created. However, it is crucial that this push is accompanied by political and economic stability to restore confidence and attract more investments that will benefit the country.